The DAC Advice Thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by señorhifi, Oct 16, 2020.

  1. crenca

    crenca Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,822
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Southern New Mexico
    Hard to imagine that $shipping$ it to Schiit and paying for an upgrade could be offset by higher resale value. As far as un-warranted risk, again hard to imagine these costs weighing less than the peace of mind of 2 years (which is not very long).

    As far keeping the same realitively dark sound if/when it craps out, the Bifrost 2 maybe?
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2022
  2. crenca

    crenca Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,822
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Southern New Mexico
    Well, if it was me I would sink the cost of the upgrade ($200 + shipping) and whatever I could get for it used into a used Bifrost2 purchase (which would come with unison), unless I was particularly attracted to the sound as is (through coax)....but at this level (both $ and SQ) it's probably 6 to one, half dozen to the other.
     
  3. caute

    caute Lana Del Gayer than you

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    The Deep South
    Nooooo, don't give me an either/or with "when" it craps out in it! I love this thing!
     
  4. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2017
    Likes Received:
    266
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    EU
    Does anyone know if switching between the different output modules is easier with the new Yggdrasil+ case than with the old case?

    I don't think so, but this would be a nice side effect.
     
  5. nishan99

    nishan99 Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2019
    Likes Received:
    1,617
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Layla
    From Jason HF blog if that's what are asking about:
     
  6. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    286
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Jakarta, Singapore
    I didn’t get much response in the other thread maybe because it was too specific so I think I will ask here in a more general topic…

    Does anyone have experience comparing the old vintage favourite SFD-2 with the Wavelight DAC? The Sonic Frontiers to me is neutral/warm, has a slightly laidback presentation but with forward midrange and quite a large soundstage that seems to be better more in width than depth. I think in terms of presentation this one is almost perfect for me.

    I wonder if the Rockna can improve on that?
     
  7. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

    Staff Member Pyrate Gearmaster
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2018
    Likes Received:
    10,824
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The Complex
    If you like the SFD-2 then stick with it. I really liked the Wavelight; the Wavelight is pretty close to neutral tonality but has quite a thick timbre. That being said, the Wavelight blows the SFD-2 away in almost every technical aspect except probably the stage; the Wavelight stages further back and has a slight wraparound effect, but the stage is quite large and has good depth.

    TL;DR I'd stick with the SFD-2 if I were you. Maybe you can find a way to audition Wavelight at home, but otherwise I wouldn't bother.

    Edit: I'm really saying this because you sound like you're happy with the SFD-2 and want something akin to a straight upgrade (which I'm not sure exists). Other DACs might be better/more resolving but will shift the sound in a direction you may not enjoy.
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2023
  8. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    286
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Jakarta, Singapore
    Thank you. It will be nice if I can keep the presentation and sound 100% the same but I know it’s a very low chance so if I sacrifice some other aspects it’s okay. I think I appreciate the soundstage, slightly laid back sound and smoothness the most in the SFD-2 so do you think the Wavelight other than soundstage more or less do well in the other 2 aspects?

    One other modern DAC that I did try was the Holo May but I think it’s a bit too neutral and dry in my system although it’s very impressive technically. It’s also a bit out of budget. Do you think the Rockna has a wetter, more “analogue” sound than the May?
     
  9. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

    Staff Member Pyrate Gearmaster
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2018
    Likes Received:
    10,824
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The Complex

    If you're talking about overall character in "laid-back"; no. The Wavelight is incisive versus the SFD-2, only being slightly more laid back than my current Schiit Yggdrasil GS. Wavelight also slams more with more refined highs (Wavelight somehow doesn't exhibit the ringing that many R2R DACs have). It's definitely a more "modern" R2R sound.

    However, if you mean more "laid-back" timbre, the Wavelight definitely is. It's very thick and rich; too much so with certain systems. But if you don't mind this, it's very good.

    That being said, Wavelight can almost pull the vinyl-like quality to sound that Wavedream can. So in terms of being smooth, it absolutely is.

    Yes. I haven't heard the May, only heard the Spring 2, but I think I know what you're referring to when you say "dry" in this context.
     
  10. HeyWaj10

    HeyWaj10 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2022
    Likes Received:
    229
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Cary, NC
    I decided to take February as an experimental joy ride by picking up a Chord Mojo 2 and Grado RS2x from Amazon. Goal was to get an extended period of time to truly experience the Mojo 2 in my system again, and figure out whether I would actually pull the trigger in buying this thing permanently. Getting the Grados was to have some fun with something very different from my LCD-X's.

    As I commented on in the Mojo 2 thread, I've all but confirmed that the Mojo 2 just isn't the sound I'm going for - despite it having some truly amazing technical capabilities (speed, transients, macrodynamics, black background, laser focused imaging, and overall resolution). The treble response is just not something I can spend almost $800 for and live with. While the micro details are nice, the macro details are far too splashy, white, and one dimensional (especially cymbal hits, which is pretty crucial given I listen to a lot of prog rock/metal). Likewise, the complete lack of timbre in both the treble and low bass regions leaves me feeling empty in my listening sessions. The Mojo 2 performs very well technically, but it has absolutely zero soul.

    So given the above realizations with the Mojo 2, where do I turn? I'm getting the feeling, from several experiences with DS dacs, that I must be an R2R type of person. I'm super sensitive to treble, and any hint at glare, hardness, splash, or tonally devoid in that frequency range, completely detaches me from my engagement with the music. I'm seeking that natural, tonally and timbrally accurate treble, with an organic quality - NOT soft and rolled off. I just want to be able to feel connected with the music without distraction from digititis or a clinical sound.

    I imagine Bifrost 2 is at the very top of my options to try, but keep reading all the glowing reviews on the Denefrips Ares II. However, Denefrips leaves me feeling really nervous with the no-return policy through Vinshine Audio. If I don't like it, I'm stuck with it. Are there other worthwhile options to consider in the <$1000 price range?
     
  11. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,709
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    India
    The problem is, the Mojo2 falls slightly on the extreme side of what you described. So it is hard to tell your sweet spot. Like, going NOS R2R might be too much. Even many DS DACs are free of the stringent nature you noticed on the M2. Most of us find that Oversampling R2R DACs to be a happy medium. So the Bifrost2 and the AresII just might hit your sweet spot. I have only heard the OG Bifrost2 and I found it to be a bit strident in the lower treble. Also on headphones it sounded a bit U shaped to me. If you are sensitive to lower treble, that is something to consider. I haven't heard the AresII, but I hear it doesn't have the lower treble issue like the Bf2. On the other hand, I have reasons to believe it can be a touch bright in the upper treble. I have tried the Pontus2 and Terminator1 and I am not a big fan of Dena sound. They seem to be a bit low on microdynamcis and the tone doesn't sound quite right. But don't let my bias stop you from trying one if you get the opportunity.
     
  12. HeyWaj10

    HeyWaj10 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2022
    Likes Received:
    229
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Cary, NC
    Are there any ~$1000 DS DAC options that have the strengths of Mojo but lack the stringent treble component? I'm happy to consider other DS options if they can manage to circumvent the treble nasties.
     
  13. caute

    caute Lana Del Gayer than you

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    The Deep South
    Also interested to hear, just for information's sake, of any DS DACs that do well in the 1K-1.5K space, I'm guessing Matrix X-Sabre? Is anything good from Chord, besides the well-over-range DAVE; is the Huge TT any good? Also know the S-D Gungnir was well-regarded for its time and it can be found for pennies now.
     
  14. zottel

    zottel Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1,228
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Franconia, Germany
    You could try the Daccord from Meier Audio. A steal at its current price, with great treble extension and detail, but never harsh or fatiguing.
     
  15. RollingStoned

    RollingStoned New

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2023
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    italy
    Good morning everyone!

    I have been following you for a long time now and would like to ask your opinion.
    I have tried a few converters and so far the one I liked best was Dangerous convert 2.
    I wanted to know if any of you were able to make a comparison with the IFi Pro iDSD Desktop... Can you tell me anything?
    Maybe I should buy the Dangerous, but on the other hand I am tempted by a possible product thatd oes many other things.
    Apart from the usual parameters what I'm most interested in, apart from nice detail and a fairly big sound, is bass depth and great dynamics. I need to build myself a new system and I would like to get as close as possible to the power, sound and above all the impact of a live concert, for example rock or metal.

    In theory lfi with the Burr Brown chip should have a very natural sound....
    I could also use an opinion on the straight comparison with a Mytek Manhattan 2.


    Thank you, have a nice day everyone.
     
  16. Baten

    Baten Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,130
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    EU
    Honestly? Yeah you should probably just buy the dangerous DAC. ;)
     
  17. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    @RollingStoned
    FWIW- The Myteks I have owned and heard are terribly bright.
     
  18. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    I have only owned the OG Mojo and that did not annoy me much in the highs, other issues like soft bass, and some congestion did over time.. Myteks certainly annoy me in the highs

    The Prism Lyra is a great clean dac with no treble nasties to my ear. After owning about 20 different dacs, it has been with me the longest. Used under $1k

    EDIT: Are you using an iphone as your source? You may want to try a well vetted computer before blaming all dacs. Just saying, try something else to rule it out.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2023
  19. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    The Matrix X-sabre is good especially at a used price of about $500 or less, which is what I sold mine for years ago. It does lean (haha) to the treble side, but it does reveal a lot of plankton. You will not confuse it for a resistor or fpga dac.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2023
  20. RollingStoned

    RollingStoned New

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2023
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    italy
    @Baten
    Thank you for your answer. But were you able to compare them directly, did you try them both? :)

    @bixby This is really bad news, what converters have you tried from this brand?
     

Share This Page